SHAUN LUNT could be set for a shock Giants return at home to Harlequins on Sunday.
The 24-year-old inspirational England hooker underwent major groin surgery 10 weeks ago and was expected to miss the rest of the season.
But the ex-Workington favourite has made a remarkable recovery and now looks certain to be involved in Huddersfield’s crucial end-of-season run-in.
If he doesn’t pass a late fitness test to face Quins this weekend, he’s confident he’ll be available for selection for the final game of the regular Super League XVI season at home to Leeds Rhinos a week later.
And he then believes he could play a crucial role in the Giants’ bid for Super League play-off glory.
“When I had the surgery I never gave up hope I could be back before the end of the season, although I always knew it would be a long shot,” said Lunt.
“But with the way the surgery went and with the fantastic support I’ve received from (physio) Nathan Mill and (rehab chief) Greg Brown, it now looks like it’ll happen.
“At this stage I can’t say for certain whether I’ll definitely be back out there for the Quins game. I’ve got a couple of running sessions to get through before then.
“But if there’s any pain at all, I won’t be playing. If I’m not 100% fit, I could risk suffering a recurrence of the injury during the game, which means I’d be letting my teammates down as well as myself.
“So, at the moment, I’m just keeping my fingers crossed I can play next weekend, but if I don’t then I’m confident I should be okay for Leeds the following week.”
